What could be more fitting than a Tournament of Roses Float dedicated to roses? Fifty varieties, the most ever on a single Rose Parade float, will surround The Pasadena POPS Orchestra's Music Director Rachael Worby on January 1, 2007. This marks Worby's fifth appearance in the Parade and her fourth ride on a Bayer Advanced™ entry.

      "I've enjoyed watching parades on television all my life," exclaims Worby, "but I never imagined I would ever have the honor to be a rider once, let alone five times!"

      Designed by Michelle Lofthouse and built by Phoenix Decorating Company, the elegant "Red Carpet of Roses" float will introduce three new All American Rose Selection winning roses (Strike it Rich, Moondance and Rainbow Knock Out) and feature a celebrity rose line up including Betty Boop, Bing Crosby, Queen Elizabeth, Della Reese and Santa Claus, to name a few. Tulips, gerbera daisies and orchids will join the roses in baskets hanging from a giant gazebo. Real water will pour from the sprinkling can of the garden angel lawn sculpture at the front of the float.

Rachael Worby, music director of The Pasadena POPS Orchestra, and her daughter, Diana, went to Rosemont Pavilion for a sneak preview of The Red Carpet of Roses float.

      Prior to her first Rose Parade ride in 2001 Worby says she had no idea "of the complexity in design and construction of these extravagant masterpieces they call floats."

      She continues, "Participating in the Rose Parade is very gratifying and gives me the opportunity to observe our community and celebrate all that is wonderful about Pasadena. Every year I ride down Colorado Boulevard, I am reminded how diverse our community is and how important it is for my orchestra to touch every life."

      An internationally renowned conductor, Worby will fly to Israel immediately following the parade. She will guest conduct the Herzliya Orchestra in three early January concerts.

Celebrating 20 years of providing the best in live music, The Pasadena POPS Orchestra's 2007 Summer Season at Descanso Gardens begins on Friday, June 22. Season tickets are available for the four concert series. Call 626-792-7677 for details.